Power of Paradox - Mindful Courage
The paradox that we will be discussing this week is Mindful Courage. This paradox is very important for leaders, especially in the early stages of a new venture.
Harrison Assessments takes a different approach to finding and developing strengths. With other assessments, oftentimes a strength when overused becomes a weakness.
Using the method Dr. Harrison developed, there are certain pairs of strengths when coupled are true strengths and as long as both traits are present, the strength cannot become a weakness.
We’ve looked at this in previous paradoxes like respectful candor (frankness + diplomacy) and compassionate enforcing (enforcing + warmth/empathy).
What is Mindful Courage?
When leaders are not afraid to take risks and are also able to analyze pitfalls, they can lead with mindful courage.
If we are not willing to change and take risks, we will not be able to move forward.
If too much risk is taken, the business may fail or suffer significant setback.
Some people are naturally more risk adverse than others. Some people are naturally more inclined to take risks.
Being aware of the complimentary trait is important because if leaders that are risk adverse discount those that are good at analyzing pitfalls, perhaps thinking they are naysayers or negative, they may fail to gain important insight into alternative ways to reduce or manage the risk.
The reverse is also true, leaders that are very good at analyzing pitfalls but are risk adverse may fail to capitalize on opportunities. Understanding how these traits are connected can give these leaders the courage they need to go ahead and take the risk knowing that they have countermeasures in place.
What is something that leaders can do to develop mindful courage?
Ensure you have a risk management plan (RMP) for every major initiative or project. The purpose of a risk management plan is not only to identify potential risks, but also assess the probability and severity of the risk and most importantly put together actions that can be taken to manage the risk. A risk management plan will not eliminate risk but rather serve as a tool to mitigate potential risks down to an acceptable level.
For leaders that are not afraid of taking risks, developing a risk management plan will help you take some time to slow down and think through the potential consequences of the decision or path you are about to take.
For leaders that are risk adverse but are good at analyzing risk, developing a risk management plan may come naturally to you. If a decision is about to be made that you are uncomfortable with an a risk analysis has not been done yet, offer to facilitate a meeting and put a risk management plan together. It will make you feel better and serve your organization. However, be aware that the purpose of the RMP is not to make you feel comfortable with the decision but rather to help the organization manage risk.
There is risk management software available but don’t let this stop you. Risk management plans can be put together quite easily without specialized software. Feel free to contact Claritas for a complimentary consultation if you would like assistance in facilitating this.
Can you think of an example of leaders you know that have displayed mindful courage?
In the next paradox we unpack, we will discuss Vigilant Resilience and how being able to manage risk is important for leaders in other ways.
Use these links to read about other paradoxes such as Respectful Candor for communication or Compassionate Enforcing for coaching your team.